Ratoath beat county champions Trim

Ratoath started the season in fine style by beating county champions and Feile representatives Trim, in what was a first competitive win over their rivals.

This was a cracking team performance, full of heart and passion, as Ratoath tore into the game from the start.

Cian Smith, James Duffy and Eoin McInerney were rock solid in the full-back line and helped limit a strong Trim side to just two first half frees.

With Brian Moore and Conor Wardick in superb form in the wing-back positions and Marc Donnelly fielding high ball and counter-attacking from number six, Ratoath kept Trim on the back foot.

On a heavy pitch where scores were hard to come by, two Jack Lanigan frees meant it was level at the break, 0-2 apiece. Ratoath were unlucky to see another shot rocket off the crossbar, Alex O’Kane and Sean Murphy leading the attack with ample support from Conor O’Meara, Ryan Doherty and Callum Browne.

Ratoath opened their shoulders in the second-half, responding to two Trim points with a goal from Lanigan and points from Alex O’Kane and Sean Murphy. With James McCann and Lanigan on top at midfield, Ratoath made their dominance pay, Brian Moore and David Reid playing a part in a move that saw Cathal Byrne rattle a low shot to the net.

Trim fought to the end and replied with a goal but Tom Roddy’s cool head and shot-stopping ability kept Trim from further scores.

Ciaran Rodgers, Shaun Donnelly and Sean Williams all added to Ratoath’s strong second-half effort and Sean Murphy’s finish to the net rounded off a great first round win.